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Google AI Launches Gemma: New Open Source Language Models

Google AI Launches Gemma: A Game-Changer in Open Source Language Models Today marks a significant milestone in the realm of artificial intelligence as Google AI, a division of the tech giant, unveiled Gemma—a new family of open-source language models derived from their recently released Gemini suite of AI tools. This strategic move positions Google to directly compete with leading language models like Meta's LLaMa and Mistral, bringing forth a fresh wave of innovation. A Commitment to Open Source and Responsible AI Demis Hassabis, co-founder of Google DeepMind, articulated the company's philosophy in a recent tweet, stating, "We have a long history of supporting responsible open source and science, which can drive rapid research progress." This commitment to democratizing AI technology underscores Google's vision of making AI accessible and beneficial for all. Key Features of Gemma Gemma is released in two distinct versions: Gemma 2B : A lightweight m

Starknet Airdrop: 1.8 Billion STRK Tokens Await

Starknet's Token Airdrop: A New Era of Governance and Incentives

The landscape of decentralized finance is continually evolving, and Starknet's recent announcement regarding its token airdrop on February 20 marks a significant turning point. With over 1.3 million wallets eligible to receive the new STRK tokens, the Starknet Foundation is positioning this event not merely as a distribution of free tokens, but as a vital component of its governance structure—a promising step towards a more decentralized future.

Key Highlights of the Airdrop

  • Date of Launch: February 20, 2024
  • Total STRK Tokens Distributed: 1.8 billion
  • Eligibility:
    • Starknet users and developers
    • Users of affiliated decentralized applications (dapps)
    • Ethereum stakers with no prior exposure to Starknet

Token Allocation Details

The distribution of STRK tokens will be based on users' previous engagement with the Starknet ecosystem. The amounts allocated vary greatly, reflecting the diverse contributions of the community.

For Starknet Users and Developers

  • Allocation Range: 500 to 180,000 STRK
  • Eligibility Criteria: Users who engaged with the network before November 15, 2023.
  • Early Community Members: More than 2,000 individuals recognized for their significant contributions will receive the largest shares.

For Users of StarkEx Dapps

  • Fixed Allocation: 111.1 STRK
  • Eligibility Requirement: Must have interacted with dapps before June 1, 2022.
  • Notable Dapps:
    • dYdX (borrowing and lending platform)
    • Immutable X (gaming-focused layer 2 network)
    • Rhinofi (layer 2 bridge)
    • Sorare (on-chain fantasy soccer game)

For Ethereum Developers and Stakers

  • Ethereum Stakers:
    • 1,800 STRK per validator (up to 12 validators) for those who ran nodes pre-2022 merge.
    • 3,600 STRK per validator for stakers prior to the Beacon Chain launch in December 2020.
  • Core Ethereum Developers: 10,000 STRK per person for Protocol Guild members.
  • Ethereum Improvement Proposal Authors: 2,000 STRK each.

The Importance of STRK in Governance

As Starknet transitions toward a decentralized governance model, the STRK tokens will play a pivotal role in representing voting power. Eli Ben Sasson, co-founder and CEO of StarkWare, emphasizes the democratic nature of this evolution, stating, "It’s evolving in such a way that is truly democratic while also bringing great stability to the network." This underscores the commitment to developing a robust governance structure that not only incentivizes participation but also fosters community engagement.

A Rapid Growth Trajectory

Starknet's progress this year is remarkable. From holding less than \(1 million in crypto assets at the start of 2023, the network has surged to over \)56 million in total value locked (TVL) according to Defi Llama. This growth reflects the increasing interest and engagement in the Starknet ecosystem, which is poised for further expansion with the upcoming airdrop.

In addition to participating in the airdrop and engaging with the Starknet community, users might find themselves interested in practical tools to enhance their gaming and DIY experiences. Consider these versatile products:

With this strategic move, Starknet is not just rewarding its users; it is laying the groundwork for a more decentralized future, encouraging participation, and enhancing governance. The upcoming airdrop represents a pivotal moment for both the network and its community, setting the stage for a more engaged and empowered user base.

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